– Partnering with Tata Memorial Hospital’s ImPaCCt Foundation, the event supported child cancer treatment and awareness, with a new Wheelchair category introduced for differently-abled participants.
– Blood donation camps to be held on August 18 across 5 locations in Mumbai
The Mumbai Ultra 12-Hour Run, held on August 15, 2024, culminated in a powerful demonstration of strength and dedication to the theme “Wellness over Illness.” In collaboration with Tata Memorial Hospital’s ImPaCCt Foundation, the event not only supported paediatric cancer treatment but also highlighted the high curability of childhood cancer.
The event saw nearly 500 participants, including women, defence and police personnel, who ran for 12 hours, embodying the spirit of “Wellness over Illness.” This year, the event introduced a new wheelchair category for differently-abled participants, further emphasising inclusivity and support for all.
Chief Guest, DCP Tejaswi Satpute, graced the occasion and endorsed the cause. The wheelchair event, with participation from child cancer survivors, was flagged off by septuagenarian and cancer survivor N.B. Shetty. Event Ambassador and ultra runner, Satish Gujaran, encouraged the children to persist in their battle against cancer, commending Tata Memorial Hospital for their efforts in providing treatment and hope to these young fighters.
Participants ran a 5.25-kilometre loop between the Swatantrya Veer Savarkar Rashtriya Smarak, Dadar, and Sasmira Institute, Worli. In addition, the fifth edition of the Mumbai Ultra Annual Blood Donation Drive will take place on August 18 across five locations: Dadar (W), Napean Sea Road, Borivali (E), Thane (W) and Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. This drive, in collaboration with Tata Memorial Centre and leading blood banks, continues to extend the event’s impact.
“Since our inception in 2014, Mumbai Ultra has always been about community and wellness. Ten years on, these remain our core pillars,” said Naveen Hegde, Head of the Mumbai Ultra organising team. “The platform our runners have built is a powerful one for supporting the ImPaCCT Foundation’s work in childhood cancer care—a cause that deserves more attention and community involvement.”
The Mumbai Ultra has partnered with Tata Memorial Hospital since 2017, providing crucial support for the ImPaCCT Foundation, the paediatric wing of Tata Memorial Hospital. “Childhood cancer is highly curable if diagnosed early and treated effectively,” said Dr. Shripad Banavali, Director of Academics at Tata Memorial Hospital. “Many of our young patients have gone on to live healthy, productive lives. We salute the runners of Mumbai for their unwavering support.” Shalini Jatia, Officer-In-Charge of the ImPaCCT Foundation, added, “We are deeply grateful to every participant of the Mumbai Ultra for their passion, kindness, empathy, and dedication to supporting childhood cancer.”
Every finisher received a medal and an e-certificate. The event was meticulously overseen by Race Director Daniel Vaz, with a medical team led by Dr. Monty Khajanchi, Dr. Chetan Dhamne, and Dr. Rajeshwari ensuring the safety of all participants. Satish Gujaran, endorsing the Mumbai Ultra, remarked, “Having participated in this event since its inception in 2014, it is heartening to witness the overwhelming response, with 500 runners registered this year. The Mumbai Ultra not only tests our endurance but also champions the cause of childhood cancer care.”
Robust safety and medical measures were in place, including hydration stations, medical check-ups, and ambulance services, to ensure participants’ well-being. A dedicated medical team from MCGM, Tata Memorial, and Hinduja Hospitals, along with ambulance services from Hinduja, Raheja, Fortis, and the ‘108 Ambulance Service,’ was on standby for emergencies.
The event was supported by sponsors and partners, including Veer Savarkar Smarak, MGM Swimming Pool, PD Hinduja Hospital, Sion Hospital, KEM Hospital, Enerzol Energy Partner, Agilus Diagnostics, and Nature Trust.